I’m a reader and I read a lot. The year ends today and I’ve read 79 books this year.
Starting January 1st, I’m going to try something new.
Reading brings me a lot of joy and is a beautiful thing. But, I’ve wondered before and am currently wondering again, what would change in my life if I took a break from reading?
Here’s what I think might happen.
I think I might be more productive. I (completely) realize that productivitiy is not the goal of life. Still. Sometimes I let reading take over my time and have trouble getting tasks done until I get to the end. It’s one of those “must finish this chapter!” that turns into “must finish this book!” kind of things.
I think I will have to listen to my own thoughts and feel my own feelings more. This one’s harder to admit, but I think that I sometimes read to fill my brain space. It sometimes feels like an easy way out. I’m intrigued with what my brain will find to ponder when it isn’t filled with the information or story that someone else has written.
I think not reading will be particularly challenging when we go on a mini vacation mid-month. Reading on vacation is one of my favorite things. I don’t know what I will do instead, but I’m curious to see.
I think I will have to find something new to do with my time. Reading is basically my default mode. It’s what I do when I have an extra five minutes or an extra two hours. Beyond that weekend vacation, what will I do with my free time the rest of the month? Beyond painting what will I do that will feel both fun and productive?
Writing that last sentence just made me realize another reason I likely read as much as I do. It feels both fun and productive. This might give you a little insight into my personality. …heaven forbid I do something just for fun.
As I write this, it all sounds like a good idea. But, honestly, it sounds like a good idea for a me that isn’t me. I want to put it off. I’m already thinking of all the books on my holds list that will come available this month and how hard it will be to wait to read them. I’m already thinking about all the books I currently have in process and I want to say, “I’ll start this challenge after I finish this stack.” But, I think tomorrow needs to be the day.
The books will still be here for me to finish later.
It’s time to learn something new about myself and see what my life is like without a seven books a month.
A few parameters / exceptions:
I am allowed to finish the book that I have started / will discuss on January 11th with one of my book clubs.
I am allowed to continue doing read aloud time with my kids. We usually read together after school and / or before their bedtime - approximately 15 to 30 minutes a day.
I will still read my Bible and devotion books - usually 15 to 30 minutes a day.
Wish me luck, friends! Here we go!